NES Portable CNC-built

Build a portable NES system with a 3″ TFT display, portrait-style layout, large built-in battery pack and cartridges that slide down the back like a Gameboy Advance.

This project can be constructed by using CNC-cut parts and other hobby materials. You’ll also need a soldering iron, X-Acto knife, wire, screwdrivers and other common tools.

Construction Resources

Once you’re ready to begin work on this project the links and information below will be of much help. All links open in a new window so you can easily come back here during your online part collection. This information is all contained in the book of course, but the book itself doesn’t have internet access 😉

Major Project Components

The two primary components of these projects are the original game systems and the video screen. Below are the correct models to use, with a reference photo and easy-to-use automatic eBay search link.

Â I’ve separated the electronics parts list into what you can get online from Mouser (www.mouser.com) and what you’ll still need to find at Radio Shack. Therefore the two lists below are the same as the single list in the book. You’ll still need everything from both lists, but the more things you can get online from Mouser the cheaper it’ll be.

Â Unlike Digi-Key, Mouser’s website has no minimum order so it’s handy for the experimenter, plus they have good prices. Please note that the items for modding the Casio TV screen (10 ohm resistors and white LED’s) are also included on this list. Using this list you can easily copy/paste the part numbers into Mouser’s web site (or Radio Shack’s, below) to complete on online order. Sure beats typing!

Below are the Radio Shack electronics parts. Mostly the bigger, more mechanical stuff, plus the PC boards.

A change: Since the printing of the book Radio Shack no longer sells rechargeable RC car batteries and chargers separately – now they’re typically in a “combo pack” The part number of the “combo pack” that will work with this project is listed below.

NES CNC built
Electronic Parts List from Radio Shack (stores or online):